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[ last update: 12.21.2014 ]
The (new)
Cadillac Database©
Photo Pages
Cadillac
1961
Return to The (New)
Cadillac Database© Index Page
or go back to the Cadillac photo index page to pick another
year
or go to the La Salle photo index page
The introductory paragraphs in the de luxe product brochure say it all: For 1961, Cadillac has truly created a new inspiration for all motordom ... an automobile of such superb design, such precise craftsmanship and such universal appeal that - as even the briefest examination will reveal - it could have come from no other source but the builder of the accepted Standard of the World.
March, 2006: I finally got around to reviewing my own archives on the 1960 Cadillac models. Until now you were able to view the year's production on this Web page that was compiled by a Cadillac admirer in the Netherlands (Holland).
This page duplicates in part the Dutch one, although it includes also a few factory photos and illustrations from Cadillac "mailer" catalogs, all graciously provided to me through the years by the Cadillac Division's Public Relations Department. I have included also photos of a few surviving cars; most of them come from Cadillac enthusiasts like myself, too numerous to mention individually.
The bulk of the artist's drawings below are from the company's superb product catalog for 1961 which is described in more detail in the section of the Database devoted to Cadillac sales and merchandising literature.
Additional information and photos of the 1961 models and the related sales literature may be found in The (New) Cadillac Database© sections entitled "Descriptions and Specifications of Cadillac Cars 1956 - 1965", "Cadillac and La Salle Sales Literature 1960-1964" as well as in the appropriate "Dream cars" section. Further recommended reading includes:
Standard Catalog of Cadillac, 1903-2000 edited by James T. Lenzke, © 2000, published by Krause Publications, Inc., 700 E. State Street, Iola, WI 54990 [ISBN #0-87341-925-1, Library of Congress #91-61301]. An updated version covering Cadillacs through 2005 was edited by John Gunnell that year.
Total model production for 1961 was 138,379; that is about 4,000 units short of the previous year total.
Look also for identifying script or lettering on some models (Coupe de Ville, Sedan de Ville, Biarritz, etc.) Sometimes (after a new paint job, for example), the script or lettering may be missing; in that case look to the car's interior as each model had its own trim options.
The traditional Cadillac tail-fins became even more subdued than in 1960. On the other hand, the bodies grew a second set of fins, called skegs that flared outwards and downwards, at an angle of approximately 45, stretching from the front wheel openings, all the way back to the tail-light housings; on some models these skegs replaced the former, mid-body rub molding.
The easiest way to distinguish a regular 1961 Cadillac is to look at the front clip and especially the lower front bumper that incorporates a single, circular, park/fog lamp housing (below):
(Real) Easy ID
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The Series 62
Series 62 cars have an elongated Cadillac crest on the
front fenders, just ahead of the front door and above the skeg
The Coupe
The Sedan
The Sedan
The Convertible
Survivors
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Series 62-63
6300 sub-series[De Ville models are easily recognizable for having the DeVille
name in script on the leading edge of the front fenders ]
The Coupe de Ville
The Sedan de Ville
The Sedan de Ville
The Town Sedan
The Eldorado Biarritz [ easily identified by the Biarritz
name in script on the leading edge of the
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The Series Sixty Special Fleetwood
[ easily identified by the six vertical chevrons (hash marks)
on the trailing edge of the rear fenders ]
Survivors
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The Series 67
[ Fleetwood 75 sedan and limousine ]
Survivors
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Details, Features
Below: optional equipment
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Trivia
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Return to The (New) Cadillac Database© Index Page
or go back to the Cadillac photo index page to pick another
year
or go to the La Salle photo index page
© 1996, Yann Saunders and the Cadillac-LaSalle
Club, Inc.
[ Background image: rear side view of 1961 Cadillac Series 62 coupe ]
.jpg)
